Westbrook, who closed with a triple-double in the Thunder's victory last month at AmericanAirlines Arena, with 14 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds, was assessed his 16th technical foul of the season in the second quarter of Saturday night's loss to the Golden State Warriors, reaching the league's threshold for suspension.

The NBA reviews all technical fouls and already had rescinded two Westbrook technical fouls this season, calls that were made on Feb. 5 and Feb. 11. This time though Saturday's call by referee Tyler Ford proved to be to be textbook, as Westbrook complained when called for a foul against Klay Thompson.

That led to NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Kiki Vandeweghe formally announcing the suspension on Sunday.

Westbrook had declined to address the possibility of a suspension, responding "Next question" three times when asked about the technical foul and the implications of the call.

Thunder coach Billy Donovan said after the loss the decision rested with the NBA.

"Obviously, I want Russell playing and I want him out there," Donovan said before the league’s announcement, "but we'll see what happens and how this all shakes out."

Westbrook shot 2 of 16 in the loss to the Warriors, including 0 for 7 on 3-pointers. He is averaging 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists.

Westbrook is backed up at point guard on the Thunder roster by veterans Dennis Schroder and Raymond Felton.

The Heat's leader in technical fouls is guard Justise Winslow, with four, with coach Erik Spoelstra having been called for three.

It is Westbrook's first suspension for reaching the NBA's technical-foul threshold. He also reached 16 technical fouls in 2014-15, but later had that 16th technical foul rescinded. The technical-foul meter is reset at the start of the playoffs.

The technical foul carries a $5,000 fine in addition to the loss of a game's pay.

The game in Oklahoma City opens a three-game trip for the Heat that is followed by stops against the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards.

Dwyane Wade said the Heat, battling for the No. 8 playoff spot on the East, are in no position to take anyone lightly, even without a leading man.